Monday, April 8, 2013

DSWD to launch “Anti-EPAL” Campaign in Sorsogon

By: Bennie A.
Recebido

SORSOGON CITY,
April 8 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in its
effort to ward off confusion among beneficiaries of government programs
especially of the “Pantawid Pamilya
Pilipino Program” (4Ps) and put a stop to politicians who are using the 4Ps
in their political propaganda, will have a provincial launching of their most
recent information campaign dubbed as "Bawal
ang EPAL Dito" on April 11, 2013, 10am-12nn at the Paradise Resort in Brgy.
Pangpang, this city.

DSWD Bicol Regional
Director Arnel B. Garcia said that due to various
reports that the 4Ps are being used by politicians and their supporters for
campaign purposes, the information campaign was conceptualized
to eliminate the "epal" in
the implementation of the government programs.

“The launching is
part of the DSWD’s effort to facilitate the implementation of the 4Ps during
the 2013 National and Local Election period free of political influence and
manipulation while safeguarding the rights of the beneficiaries for free and
honest election,” Garcia articulated.

He also added that
the “Pantawid Pamilya” Program is a
rights-based program implemented by the national government and not by any
individual or political party.

The "Bawal ang Epal" campaign aims
to empower the beneficiaries with the knowledge that "No one has the right
to delist a beneficiary. Only the DSWD Regional and National Office are
authorized and have the right to delist a beneficiary if s/he will not comply
with the conditions of the program".

“This will also
strengthen the identity of the Pantawid
Pamilya that it is not merely a dole-out program of the national
government,” Garcia said.

Following the
delivery of key messages from the DSWD and invited speakers, an open forum and
a covenant signing with the media, parent leaders and partner agencies will be
conducted.

Meanwhile, the DSWD
Bicol has conducted earlier on, some activities in Sorsogon that would further
intensify their Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign by way
of distributing “Anti-Epal” flyers, reading materials, and a regular radio
program aired every Friday at Radyo Natin Sorsogon, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
hosted by Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program Information Officer Agnes Mayor and
staff. The program can also be heard in Masbate, Camarines Sur and Camarines
Norte.

“Epal” is a
Filipino short term for “ma-papel”
or “pumapel” (a street lingo for
credit grabber). It applies for politicians who personally claim for successes
of government programs. The popularity of the term’s usage in government can
perhaps be attributed to Senator Miriam Santiago who filed in 2011 an
“Anti-Epal Bill” that would penalize public officials who attach their names to
roads or bridges being built. The bill would mete out six months’ to a year’s
imprisonment to any public official caught advertising his picture or name
alongside public works projects. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

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ViSioN MiSSioN

VISIONThe Office of the Communication Director is the lead communication arm of the Government and vehicle of understanding for a well-informed and enlightened citizenry, proud of its heritage and Attuned to the new global realities.

MISSIONTo develop and implement a comprehensive communication program which harnesses information technology and coordinates similar programs of other government agencies in communicating the Presidency and the Governmentto our people and to the international community, thus heightens public awareness and support for nation-building